Hong Kong Recipe : Stir-Fried Bitter Melon with Pork in Black Bean Sauce

black bean sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade black bean paste

💰Cheaper: soy sauce

Homemade paste can reduce sodium and cost.

pork

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: tofu

Tofu is a plant-based protein and usually cheaper.

Slice bitter melon thinly and remove seeds.

Marinate pork slices with soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes.

Heat vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering.

Add garlic and ginger; stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add marinated pork; stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.

Remove pork and set aside; add more oil if needed.

Add sliced onion and bell pepper; stir-fry until softened, about 2-3 minutes.

Add bitter melon and stir-fry for 2 minutes until slightly tender.

Return pork to the wok; add black bean sauce and sugar.

Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes.

Adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.

Add water if the mixture is too dry; stir until heated through.

Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens